Ashley Wood
Lexington,SC
Summary
Passionate and result-driven Restaurant General Manager with extensive experience leading high-volume and fast-paced operations. Proven track record of boosting sales, improving guest satisfaction, and strengthening operational efficiency through strategic training, creative marketing promotions, and strong team leadership. Highly skilled in inventory control, guest experience management, team development, and revenue optimization.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Village Idiot Pizza, Whaley
09.2023 - Current
- Designed and executed an in-depth training program for the front of house staff to strengthen performance which resulted in $1.25 increase in guest check average.
- Led a team of 30 + employees for a college-town pizzeria, during peak football season, serving 850 + guests per weekend while managing all third-party delivery channels, in-house online ordering and delivery platform through toast to ensure accuracy and timely fulfillment.
- Managed all ordering and inventory operations, maintaining full stock levels while achieving 3% below company waste expectations each quarter.
- Developed and implemented seasonal promotional campaigns to increase revenue and boost sales during both peak seasons and historically slow months. Including a March Madness guest bracket, themed drink menus, baseball-season cocktails and pizza specials, and “Exam Cram” student deals
- Improved operational consistency through enhanced scheduling, staff development, and performance management, contributing to stronger service standards and team morale.
Assistant General Manager
Blue Marlin Restaurant
06.2022 - 09.2023
- Assisted in leading daily operations of a high-volume Seafood Restaurant of 70 plus employees.
- Built strong team morale and accountability through consistent motivation, recognition, and performance management.
- Upheld all standards for food quality, beverage execution, guest experience, financial performance, and standard operating procedures.
- Led full-cycle human resource functions including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, coaching, and disciplinary actions.
- Trained and educated staff on food safety, sanitation, customer service, menu knowledge, and up- selling techniques, driving higher sales and guest satisfaction scores.
Assistant General Manager
Travinia Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
05.2020 - 04.2022
- Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage, and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Performed accurate monthly inventories of supplies and equipment, including food, beverage, glassware and utensils.
General Manager
Wood Produce of Lexington
03.2004 - 09.2016
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts while increasing sales 66.7% over 10 years (last year sales $750,000).
- Conducted positive and an inviting atmosphere for customers.
- Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures.
- Prepared monthly and yearly financial reports.
Education
ServSafe Alcohol - ServSafe Alcohol
ServSafe National Restaurant Association
Lexington, SC01.2024
SERVSAFE Food Protection Manager -
ServSafe National Restaurant Association
Lexington, SC12.2020
Responsible Serving of Alcohol -
Rserving, Responsible Serving
Lexington, SC08.2019
Associate of Science -
Midland's Technical College
Columbia, SC2005
Skills
- Restaurant operations Management
- Team Leadership Development
- Inventory and Cost Control
- Sales and Revenue Growth
- Staff Training and Performance Coaching
- Marketing and Promotions
- Guest Experience Management
- Food Safety and Sanitation Compliance
- Hiring, Scheduling, and Labor Management
- 3rd Party Delivery Platforms
Timeline
General Manager
Village Idiot Pizza, Whaley
09.2023 - Current
Assistant General Manager
Blue Marlin Restaurant
06.2022 - 09.2023
Assistant General Manager
Travinia Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
05.2020 - 04.2022
General Manager
Wood Produce of Lexington
03.2004 - 09.2016
ServSafe Alcohol - ServSafe Alcohol
ServSafe National Restaurant Association
SERVSAFE Food Protection Manager -
ServSafe National Restaurant Association
Responsible Serving of Alcohol -
Rserving, Responsible Serving
Associate of Science -
Midland's Technical College